Pakistan qualify for Hockey World Cup after eight years amid controversy and turmoil in national setup

Pakistan secured a long-awaited return to the FIH Hockey World Cup after eight years by defeating Japan’s national mens hockey team 4-3 in the semi-final of the qualifying tournament, marking a major milestone for the national side despite recent off-field turmoil.

The Pakistan mens national field hockey team produced a spirited performance to book their place in the global showpiece. Pakistan struck once in the opening quarter before adding three more goals in the fourth quarter to seal the dramatic victory.

Goals for Pakistan came from Imad Mohammad, AbuBakar Mahmood, Sufyan Khan, and Afraz, each contributing a goal in a memorable win that sparked celebrations among players who performed a sajda-e-shukr after the final whistle.

With the victory, Pakistan not only secured qualification for the World Cup but also advanced to the final of the qualifiers, where they will face England mens national field hockey team.

Australia tour controversy

Pakistan’s qualification comes just weeks after the national team was embroiled in controversy during its tour of Australia for the FIH Pro League, where players alleged severe mismanagement and poor facilities.

Team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt revealed that the squad faced inadequate accommodation and logistical issues during the tour. According to the captain, players were forced to cook their own food, wash dishes and even clean bathrooms due to poor arrangements, raising serious questions about the administration of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

The revelations triggered a major crisis within the federation, eventually leading to the resignation of PHF president Tariq Hussain Bugti.

Captain banned and reinstated

Amid the controversy, the PHF imposed a two-year ban on captain Ammad Butt for alleged misconduct and speaking out against the management. However, the decision sparked widespread criticism and was later reversed after the appointment of interim PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Vani, who lifted the suspension to stabilise the team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Mohsin Naqvi steps in

In an unusual development, Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, also stepped in to support the struggling hockey players following the Australia fiasco.

Naqvi met the national team and expressed regret over the treatment they received abroad, assuring them that the country’s dignity would not be compromised. As a gesture of support, he presented cheques of Rs1 million to each player and promised better facilities and logistical support for upcoming tournaments.

A new chapter for Pakistan hockey

Despite administrative chaos and financial struggles, Pakistan’s qualification for the World Cup represents a major boost for the sport in the country. Once a dominant force in international hockey, Pakistan has struggled in recent years, making this achievement particularly significant.

With renewed morale and a place secured in the World Cup, the national side now hopes to build momentum and restore the country’s legacy in international hockey.